U.S. patent application number 13/009033 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-21 for tool storage unit.
This patent application is currently assigned to STANLEY BLACK & DECKER, INC.. Invention is credited to Vincent Bove, Steve HUANG.
Application Number | 20110174648 13/009033 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44276750 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110174648 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HUANG; Steve ; et
al. |
July 21, 2011 |
TOOL STORAGE UNIT
Abstract
A tool storage unit includes a base having a cavity configured
to hold a plurality of sockets. The base includes a support surface
configured to support the sockets, a plurality of first protrusions
extending from a first wall that partially defines the cavity. The
base also includes a plurality of second protrusions extending from
a second wall that partially defines the cavity. The tool storage
unit also includes a groove in the base that is spaced from the
cavity. The groove is configured to allow the second wall to flex
when the socket is being inserted into the cavity and/or removed
from the cavity.
Inventors: |
HUANG; Steve; (Taichung
City, TW) ; Bove; Vincent; (Bethlehem, CT) |
Assignee: |
STANLEY BLACK & DECKER,
INC.
New Britain
CT
|
Family ID: |
44276750 |
Appl. No.: |
13/009033 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61296795 |
Jan 20, 2010 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/378 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H 3/022 20130101;
B25H 3/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/378 |
International
Class: |
B25H 3/02 20060101
B25H003/02 |
Claims
1. A tool storage unit comprising: a base having a cavity
configured to hold a plurality of sockets, the base comprising a
support surface configured to support the sockets, a plurality of
first protrusions extending from a first wall that partially
defines the cavity, each of the first protrusions configured to
engage a first end of one of the sockets, and a plurality of second
protrusions extending from a second wall that partially defines the
cavity, each of the second protrusions configured to engage an end
of the socket opposite the first end so that when the socket is
inserted into the cavity and onto the support surface, the first
protrusion and the second protrusion hold the socket in place; and
a groove in the base, the groove spaced from the cavity, the groove
being configured to allow the second wall to flex when the socket
is being inserted into the cavity and/or removed from the
cavity.
2. The tool storage unit according to claim 1, wherein the support
surface is contoured to complement outer surfaces of the
sockets.
3. The tool storage unit according to claim 2, wherein the
contoured support surface comprises a plurality of concave
portions, each concave portion being configured to engage a convex
surface of one of the sockets.
4. The tool storage unit according to claim 3, wherein the concave
portions have substantially the same size.
5. The tool storage unit according to claim 3, wherein the concave
portions have different sizes.
6. The tool storage unit according to claim 1, wherein the base
further comprises a second groove substantially parallel to the
groove spaced from the cavity, the second groove being recessed
from the support surface so as to split the support surface into
spaced apart support surfaces.
7. The tool storage unit according to claim 1, further comprising a
cover hingedly connected to the base and configured to cover the
base when the cover is in a closed position.
8. The tool storage unit according to claim 7, wherein the base
further comprises a second cavity configured to hold a socket
wrench.
9. A tool storage unit comprising: a base having a cavity
configured to hold a plurality of sockets, the base comprising a
support surface configured to support the sockets, a plurality of
protrusions extending from an interior wall that partially defines
the cavity, each of the protrusions configured to engage one end of
one of the sockets when the respective socket is inserted into the
cavity and onto the support surface; and a groove in the base, the
groove spaced from the cavity and positioned substantially parallel
to the interior wall, the groove being configured to allow the
interior wall to flex when the socket is being inserted into the
cavity and/or removed from the cavity.
10. The tool storage unit according to claim 9, wherein the support
surface is contoured to complement outer surfaces of the
sockets.
11. The tool storage unit according to claim 10, wherein the
contoured support surface comprises a plurality of concave
portions, each concave portion being configured to engage a convex
surface of one of the sockets.
12. The tool storage unit according to claim 11, wherein the
concave portions have substantially the same size.
13. The tool storage unit according to claim 11, wherein the
concave portions have different sizes.
14. The tool storage unit according to claim 9, wherein the base
further comprises a second groove substantially parallel to the
groove spaced from the cavity, the second groove being recessed
from the support surface so as to split the support surface into
spaced apart support surfaces.
15. The tool storage unit according to claim 9, further comprising
a plurality of second protrusions extending from a second wall that
partially defines the cavity, the second wall positioned
substantially parallel to the first wall, each of the second
protrusions configured to engage an opposite end of the socket to
hold the socket in place when the socket is being supported by the
support surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from United
States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/296,795, filed Jan.
20, 2010, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention is generally related to a tool storage
unit, and more specifically to a tool storage unit that is
configured to securely hold sockets for a socket wrench.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Tool storage units have many configurations and storage
capabilities. Storage units designed to store sockets for socket
wrenches typically have designated locations for the sockets so
that the sockets may be neatly organized by size. It is desirable
to be able to secure the sockets within the storage unit so that if
the storage unit accidentally opens while being carried or is
accidentally turned over, the sockets will not fall out of the
storage unit and potentially become lost.
[0004] Although there are various known ways to secure sockets to
the storage unit, it is desirable to be able to easily place and
secure the socket in its stored position, as well as easily remove
the socket from its stored position such that the securement
feature does not hinder the speed in which a mechanic can swap out
sockets during use of the socket set.
[0005] It is therefore desirable to provide a tool storage unit
that provides for secured socket storage, but also provides for
easier removal the sockets from the unit, as compared to known tool
storage units.
SUMMARY
[0006] It is an aspect of the invention to provide a tool storage
unit that includes a base having a cavity configured to hold a
plurality of sockets. The base includes a support surface
configured to support the sockets, and a plurality of first
protrusions extending from a first wall that partially defines the
cavity. Each of the first protrusions is configured to engage a
first end of one of the sockets. The base includes a plurality of
second protrusions extending from a second wall that partially
defines the cavity. Each of the second protrusions is configured to
engage an end of the socket opposite the first end so that when the
socket is inserted into the cavity and onto the support surface,
the first protrusion and the second protrusion hold the socket in
place. The tool storage unit also includes a groove in the base.
The groove is spaced from the cavity. The groove is configured to
allow the second wall to flex when the socket is being inserted
into the cavity and/or removed from the cavity.
[0007] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a
tool storage unit that includes a base having a cavity configured
to hold a plurality of sockets. The base includes a support surface
configured to support the sockets, and a plurality of protrusions
extending from an interior wall that partially defines the cavity.
Each of the protrusions is configured to engage one end of one of a
respective socket when the respective socket is inserted into the
cavity and onto the support surface. The tool storage unit also
includes a groove in the base. The groove is spaced from the cavity
and positioned substantially parallel to the interior wall. The
groove is configured to allow the interior wall to flex when the
socket is being inserted into the cavity and/or removed from the
cavity.
[0008] Other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description, the
accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way
of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic
drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate
corresponding parts, in which in at least one of the drawings parts
are drawn to scale with respect to each other, and in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a tool storage unit
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tool
storage unit taken along line II-II in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section view of the tool storage
unit with a socket being inserted into/removed from a cavity of the
tool storage unit of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a tool storage unit according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative tool storage unit; and
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative tool storage unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a tool storage unit 100 in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the tool
storage unit 100 includes a base 102 having a first side wall 112,
a second side wall 114 that is substantially parallel to the first
side wall 112, a third side wall 116 that connects the first side
wall 112 and the second side wall 114 on one end of the base 102,
and a fourth side wall 118 that connects the first side wall 112
and the second side wall 114 at an opposite end of the base 102.
The third side wall 116 and the fourth side wall 118 are
substantially parallel to each other and substantially
perpendicular to the first side wall 112 and the second side wall
114.
[0017] The base 102 also includes a top surface 120 and a bottom
surface 122 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) that are substantially parallel to
one another and substantially perpendicular to the side walls 112,
114, 116, 118. The base 102 also includes a cavity 130 that is
configured to hold a plurality of sockets 10, 12, 14. The cavity
130 is open to the top surface 120 and is defined by a plurality of
surfaces, as discussed in further detail below.
[0018] The base 102 includes a support surface 132 that is
configured to support the sockets 10, 12, 14. As illustrated in
FIG. 1, the support surface 132 may be contoured and have a
plurality of concave portions 132a that substantially complement
the convex shapes of the outer surfaces of the sockets 10, 12, 14.
The concave portions 132a may have substantially the same size, or
may have different sizes that more closely complement the size of
the socket that is to be stored on that particular concave portion
132a. A ridge 134 may separate adjacent concave portions 132a, as
illustrated in FIG. 1. In an embodiment (not shown), the support
surface may be substantially flat and parallel to the top surface
120 and the bottom surface 122. The illustrated embodiment is not
intended to be limiting in any way.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the tool storage unit
100 taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. As illustrated, the base 102
also includes a first interior wall that provides a first socket
end engaging surface 136 and a second interior wall 144 that
provides a second socket end engaging surface 138 that is spaced
from and substantially parallel to the first socket end engaging
surface 136. The first socket end engaging surface 136 is
configured to engage one end of a socket 14A, and the second socket
end engaging surface 138 is configured to engage an opposite end of
the socket 14B, as illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0020] A first protrusion 140 protrudes from the first socket end
engaging surface 136, and a second protrusion 142 protrudes from
the second socket end engaging surface 138. The first protrusion
140 is spaced from the support surface 132 so that a lower portion
of the first end 14A of the socket 14 may be tucked under the first
protrusion 140 in a manner that allows the first protrusion 140 to
engage an inner portion of the socket 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 2
and 3.
[0021] The second protrusion 142 is also spaced from the support
surface 132 so that a lower portion of the second end 14B of the
socket 14 may be tucked under the second protrusion 142 in a manner
that allows the second protrusion 142 to engage the inner portion
of the socket 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first protrusion 140 and the second
protrusion 142 are of different sizes. In an embodiment, the first
and second protrusions 140, 142 may be of the same size. In an
embodiment, the first protrusions 140 are not provided and only the
second protrusions 142 are provided so that the ends of the sockets
engage the first socket engaging surface 136 when the sockets are
inserted into the cavity 130. In such an embodiment, the second
protrusions 142 hold the sockets in place in the cavity 130. The
illustrated embodiment is not intended to be limiting in any
way.
[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second interior wall 144
extends substantially parallel to the first side wall 112 and the
second side wall 114 of the base 102. An elongated recess or groove
150 is spaced from the second interior wall 144 and is oriented
substantially parallel to the second interior wall 144 and the
second socket engaging surface 138. It has been found that the
groove 150 facilitates the insertion and removal of the socket 14
into and out of the cavity 130 by allowing the interior wall 144 to
flex, i.e., elastically deform, when the socket 14 is pressed down
on the second protrusion 142 or pulled upward against the second
protrusion 142. The groove 150 may be sized to provide the desired
flexibility to the second interior wall 144.
[0023] A second elongated recess or groove 160 may be provided
within the cavity 130 so as to break up the support surface 132
into two separated sections, as indicated by 132a and 132b in FIGS.
1-3. The second groove 160 may also provide flexibility to the base
102 to ensure that the socket 14 is securely held in the cavity 130
when the socket 14 is held in the position illustrated by FIG. 2.
In addition, the second groove 160 may be used to reduce the amount
of material in the tool storage unit 100, which reduces the overall
weight of the unit and may reduce manufacturing costs.
[0024] The tool storage unit 100 is desirably formed from a durable
plastic material, including but not limited to polypropylene,
polyethylene, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS"). Any
suitable plastic processing method may be used to form the tool
storage unit 100, including but not limited to blow molding,
injection molding, and thermoforming. By forming the tool storage
unit 100 from a durable plastic material, the tool storage unit may
be lightweight, yet durable in the event the unit 100 is
accidentally dropped.
[0025] The tool storage unit 100 may be part of a larger tool
storage unit, by either being placed in a suitable storage cavity
in a larger tool storage unit, or may be integrated into a larger
tool storage unit, such as a tool storage unit 200 that is
illustrated in FIG. 4. As illustrated, the cavity 230 that holds a
plurality of sockets 209, 210, 211, 212, 213 is formed in a base
202, which may also include a cover (not shown) that is hingedly
connected to the base 202, in a similar manner illustrated in FIGS.
5 and 6.
[0026] Similar to the groove 150 of FIGS. 1-3, an elongated recess
250 is spaced from an substantially parallel to a wall 244 that
provides a protrusion (not shown) similar to the second protrusion
142 of the base 102 of FIGS. 2 and 3. The groove 250 is configured
to provide flexibility to the wall 244 so that the sockets 209,
210, 211, 212, 213 may be inserted into and removed from the cavity
230 with greater ease, as compared to a tool storage unit that does
not include the groove 250.
[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative tool storage unit 300 that
is configured to store a plurality of sockets, as well as a socket
wrench. As illustrated, the tool storage unit 300 includes a base
310 and a cover 312 that is hingedly connected to the base 310. The
base includes a first cavity 320 configured to receive a socket
wrench 322, a second cavity 330 configured to receive a plurality
of sockets 332, and a third cavity 340 that is also configured to
receive a plurality of sockets 332. The second and third cavities
330, 340 may each include a support surface like the support
surface 132 described above with respect to the tool storage unit
100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.
[0028] In the embodiment of the tool storage unit 300 illustrated
in FIG. 5, in addition to or instead of protrusions 140, 142 being
provided in the second and third cavities 330, 340 to securely hold
the sockets 332 in place in the cavities 330, 340, a strap 350 is
provided for each of the cavities 330, 340. As illustrated, each
strap 350 is configured to be connected to the base 310 by being
inserted into a slot 352 that is provided at each end of each
cavity 330, 340. The straps 350 are sized so that when they are
connected to the base 310, the straps 350 secure the sockets 332 to
the base 310. The straps 350 may be made from a flexible, yet
durable plastic. In an embodiment, each strap may be hingedly
connected at one end thereof to the base 310 so that the straps
cannot be separated from the base 310 and potentially
misplaced.
[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative tool storage unit 400 that
is configured to store a plurality of sockets and a socket wrench.
The tool storage unit 400 includes a base 410 and a cover 412. The
base 410 includes a first cavity 420 configured to hold a socket
wrench 422, a second cavity 430, and a third cavity 440. As
illustrated, the second cavity 430 and the third cavity 440 are
each configured to hold a plurality of containers 450, each of
which is configured to hold a plurality of sockets 452. Each
container 450, which may also be considered to be a tool storage
unit, includes a base 454 that defines a cavity 456 in which the
sockets 452 are stored. The cavity 456 may include a support
surface, similar to the support surface 132 described above with
respect to the tool storage unit 100 of FIGS. 1-3. The container
450 also includes a cover 458 that is hingedly connected to the
base 454. The cover 458 and the base may each include a portion of
a lock 460 that are configured to interact with each other to
secure the cover 458 to the base 454 when the cover 458 is in a
closed position. Such locks are known in the art and are not
described in further detail herein.
[0030] Different combinations of features of the embodiments of the
tool storage units 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein are
contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.
For example, the covers 312, 412 of the tool storage units 300, 400
of FIGS. 5 and 6 may be provide on the tool storage unit 200 of
FIG. 4 or a similar cover of a different size may be hingedly
connected to the base 102 of the tool storage unit 100 of FIG. 1.
Similarly, in an embodiment, the base 454 of at least one of the
containers 450 illustrated in FIG. 6 may include the same features
of the base 102 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3. The
illustrated embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any
way.
[0031] While specific embodiments of the invention have been
described above, it will be appreciated that the invention may be
practiced otherwise than as described. The descriptions above are
intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Thus, it will be
apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made
to the invention as described without departing from the scope of
the claims set out below.
* * * * *